lots of debts and court letters

DesperatelyScared

I recently became homeless. I was evicted as my landlord got fed up of my erratic rent payments due to my unstable working life which has been in part caused by my experiencing incapacitating depression 3 years ago. I am still trying to get my life back in order and have struggled to hold down work.

I have lots of debts. Erudio chasing me for student loans, the local authority for council tax, DWP for overpaid child tax credit (my child is now over 18 and gone to university), a couple of payday loans I defaulted on, water rates, gas & electric final bills, and two credit card debts. I have just got a load of post from my previous address, and there are masses of bailiff threats, debt collectors, etc. I am terrified and just don't know where to start.

I have tried things like step change online, but it feels like I have such a big mountain to deal with that I just cannot start. Don't know how to approach it, I need some help with this.

Currently I am homeless and basically have a temp lodgings arrangement through a friend of a friend, for the next two months, so I cannot use this address for correspondence. I do have a job, but it is part time and I am struggling to cope with it: I am in a professional job which is stressful so I don't know that I can take on more days, doing this; I do not earn a lot despite it being a professional job, but wish to try and find another less stressful income source to fit around it. I've thought about online selling or something like that.

I am in north London. Can anyone suggest a place where I can get hand holding debt advice. I really want to deal with this, I have hit rock bottom with the eviction but want to rebuild my life now.

HappyMJ

You need an income first. Anything will do benefits first instance. Sort that out then sort out a roof over your head before worrying about these debts.

Forget about the debts for the moment. Get a roof over your head as priority number one. Once you've done that you'll know your income and you'll have a good estimate of your expenses and can figure out how much if anything you can offer your creditors.

I wouldn't even bother offering the £1 monthly payment at this stage.

sourcrates

Basically they can't have what you haven't got, so sort your life out first, place to live etc, then start thinking about the debts.

Once you've done that, National Debtline may be the right place to start from.

bilbodreams

Just to say a quick hello, you are not alone and things will get better. The wee hours are the worst for worrying. I second the advice above, living accommodation first and then speak to someone , stepchange or national debtline, about your debts. Do not do it online, being in debt is lonely enough, please speak to someone. They have great people willing to help you, just by having a quick look on this site you ll see there are lots of people at different stages on the same boat as you. And things can get resolved. You'll feel better just by talking about it. I ve been there. Take care of yourself.

fatbelly

uarmatle wrote: »

Just like the words of song.

Are you thinking of this? Enjoy some Chuck Berry anyway

Wee wee hours

Good advice from Happy and sourcrates. No-one is going to cause you any problems while you are between addresses.

When you get settled, how you deal with this will depend on how much surplus income you have.

I am thinking about a DRO eventually, which will deal with everything except the student loans. You will need to meet the usual criteria.

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/37%20EW%20Debt%20relief%20orders%20%28DROs%29/Default.aspx

RuthnJasper

OP - contact http://www.stepchange.org/ or http://england.shelter.org.uk/?_ga=1.126949645.1657237651.1387883799; both are really helpful and non-judgemental (like national debtline).

Good luck to you - I wish you happier times ahead. x